How to Convince Your Employer to Let You Work From a Virtual Office

Have you been thinking of working from a virtual office but are not sure your employer will approve of it? There are a variety of benefits of working from a virtual office, such as reduced commute times, and reduced overhead and office supply fees. Your employer needs to be convinced just how beneficial a virtual office employee will be for the business overall. While taking the plunge into the virtual office world sounds like a dream come true, you might want to take a closer look at the scenario before trying to convince your boss. There are a few things you might want to consider before approaching your employer with the idea of working from a virtual office. Once you know where you stand, you can approach your employer to let you work from a virtual office.

Ask Yourself If a Virtual Office is Right for You

The first thing you want to do before convincing your boss that a virtual office is the right way to go, is to ask yourself if you are the work at home type. Do you have the self-discipline to work from home and through a virtual office? Do you get distracted easily? Will you have an office space just for you? Can your job be done effectively from a virtual office? Do you want to climb the ladder in your career? If you are looking to grow within the company and rise up the ranks, working from a virtual office might not be suitable. The more you are out of sight and out of mind, you won't be the first one considered when promotions are flowing.

Time to Build Your Virtual Office Case

If you feel as though you are ready to work from a virtual office, then let's build your case! You can start by telling your employer how much money they will save if you work from a virtual office. Let's face it, your place is much cheaper than theirs and working from a laptop or PC in your home will require less money than renting out extra office space for the company.

Productivity Will Increase

Even though most people have the idea that Working from home could result in poor performance, this isn't true. Many people find that they are more productive when working from a virtual office because they control their environment, whereas in an office phones are ringing, people are talking around desks, and printers are printing. When people work from home, their creative juices may flow more and they can work on projects at any time they wish. Projects will be completed on time and employers will likely see an improvement in the employees work.

Office Politics Will Simmer Down

How can gossip still thrive when you have employees working from home? Employees spend less time gossiping about each other when people are out of sight. While it may seem like a cold approach to the traditional office 'team,' your employer will see increased productivity and less gabbing in the office space.

It's Trendy and Everyone is Doing It

More and more leading companies are allowing employees to work from home and through a virtual office. Job satisfaction increases, sick days and absences decrease, people actually communicate on a healthier level instead of being in each other's faces, and trust and loyalty increases. Your overall relationship with your company and employer will improve drastically.

You Will Be Accessible at All Times

You will be more accessible to your employer as they know where you are during the day. You will be obligated to be in touch via email, phone, text and Skype because your boss knows that you aren't making copies in the copy room or running errands for the office meeting.

A Weather-Proof Work Day

One other bonus to mention when trying to convince your boss is that when you work from a virtual office at home, a huge storm may not threaten your work. Some businesses shut down, areas get evacuated and transportation comes to a halt during bad weather. However, if you are at home, you most likely will have the option to continue working, unless you lose power. Bad weather won't threaten your walk from your bedroom to your office, and you'll be at work on time. These are only a few things to mention when trying to convince your boss that a virtual office is a smart choice. Throw in how environmentally-friendly and trendy it is as well, and you may be given an immediate “yes.”